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$31-million shipbuilding facility opens in Ketchikan

A press release (via Marine Log) issued by shipbuilders Vigor Industrial announces the opening of its brand new $31-million marine assembly hall and production center in Ketchikan, Alaska.

The assembly facility is located at the Ketchikan Shipyard at Alaska Ship and Drydock (ASD). The new facility sits adjacent to a five-story production center to assist in efficiency and work flow. Although owned by Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, the Ketchikan Shipyard is managed by ASD Vigor under a 30-year operating agreement.

ASD President Adam Beck said his workforce in combination with Ketchikan's strategic location will help meet "the needs of Arctic and north-water mariners" and "make ASD an important part of Vigor's ongoing growth plans." The 70,000 square foot facility is expected to support construction of multiple ships up to 500 feet in length.

In addition to the new facility, ASD plans to work with Elliott Bay Design Group in Seattle Washington to collaborate on naval engineering and design options for the Alaska Class Ferry project, to be assembled on site. Vigor Industrial's next expansion step will be a $10 million steel fabrication shop at Ketchikan's shipyard. The construction is estimated to be finished by late summer of 2013.

For more on the Ketchikan facility go here, and for more on Vigor Industrial's eye for Alaska-driven expansion in coming years, click here.